David Forde

Born: 20/12/1979

Position: Goalkeeper

Squad Number: 1

Profile: Galway-born Forde is remembered for his outstanding performances on Millwall’s return to the Championship in the 2010-11 season. He kept 20 clean sheets in the league, turning the head of Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trappatoni, who called him up for a friendly in March 2011.

He soared to fan-favourite status on the back of that season, however his poor handling and inability to deal with shots from outside the box saw him play second fiddle to Maik Taylor in the second half of the 2011-12 season.

Forde's senior career began at Galway United, his hometown club, from where he joined Welsh side Barry Town. While at Barry, manager and ex-Millwall defender Kenny Brown recommended Forde to West Ham, who signed him in 2002.

Forde had loan spells at Derry and Barnet in 2003 before he returned to Galway in 2004. He then settled at Derry City in 2005, making 63 appearances and building himself a reputation in Irish football. On the back of his form, Cardiff City signed him in 2006.

He was loaned out again in 2007 to Luton and in 2008 to Bournemouth after failing to force his way into the Bluebirds first team. Kenny Jackett signed Forde at the start of the 2008-09 season and he has since gone on to make 171 appearances for the club.

Forde has made two appearances for Ireland, one coming as a substitue for Shay Given in a friendly against Northern Ireland, the other his first start for his country in a friendly against Italy. He kept clean sheets in both.

Did you know: Forde had made 141 consecutive league appearances for Millwall until he was dropped against Southampton in August 2011.